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Glitches and Problems

Glitches and Problems

Submitted by lajollan on Tue, 2013-01-08 12:46

Now that a lot of deliveries ahve been made, there appears to be numerous threads with some sort of problem or another with the Model S. I am starting this thread in an attempt to consolidate these issues for owners. Please list your issues as briefly and succinctly as possible. Thanks!

Following were solved after after 17" screen reset:
* Not sure if it locks when I walk away
* Can't roll down windows by holding down the keyfob roof

rd2 |
8 January 2013

Minor issue: Light sensor is probably on the hood of the car or lower. This morning, driving south on 280 at 7:30AM, my Model S was alternating between DAY and NIGHT display modes, even though I was constantly getting sunlight in my face. Why? Because of the rolling hills and rising sun, the bottom half of the car was intermittently in shade and sunlight, so the car thought it was night and day, respectively. But the top half of the car was always in the sun.

This was a little annoying, and I had to increase the screen brightness of the NIGHT setting to account for the fact that there was otherwise plenty of light around.

I wonder if they will move the light sensor to the roof or windshield in future versions.

BYT |
8 January 2013

rd2, I was told the ambient light sensors ARE on the windshield, specifically up on the back side of the rear view mirror!

rd2 |
8 January 2013

BYT, if that is the case, they are too sensitive and possibly malfunctioning, because switches were occurring when the windshield was definitely in the sun, and then switch back a few seconds later. The display switches seemed to correlate better with the lower half of the car in the shade. Not a scientific test by any means though.

BYT |
8 January 2013

Should be one to add to this list then! :)

Brian H |
8 January 2013

Auto display should be optional ...

markp;
does holding the button down help?

dantir |
8 January 2013

Well, here goes my 5

1) Driver door handle emerged, but wouldn't unlock...new door handle installed
2) Driver window "grinded" on lowering...belt tightened
3) Windshield wipers :grinding & then froze in middle of a rain storm, pulled off freeway...windshield motor replaced
4) Charge cable stuck...based on website figured out that I could get in car, and unlock it from the control panel
5) Radio fades in and fades out...supposedly related to intensity setting of ambient light...told it would be fixed when the software was updated. Have complained about radio 5 times and gotten no response. I've been an understanding "beta tester" who has been totally supportive as I love the car.

So...what am I going to do? Keep waiting and hope that some one will give me the new software so my radio works. I've begged and pleaded. Seems my only recourse is to give them an ultimatum...either give me the new software or give my back my $40K deposit on the Model X. Nobody seems to be listening to me.

lajollan |
9 January 2013

I note that some owners feel that posts such as this one should be "private" so that the general public does not read anything but praise for Tesla and the Model S. I do not think that is fair, to us, the general public, or to Tesla. Hiding issues with the Model S or Tesla is simply censorship and does nothing to advance the common goal of making Tesla a world class car company with a world class product. Every Tesla fanatic here loves the car BUT...it is not perfect or mistake free. Own up to it and let"s constructively help make this car and company the best! List the problems, rejoice in the good, do not decide that I will not post because it may be "bad" for Tesla.

MitchellK |
9 January 2013

I'm still on 1.15.14 (SSL 235, VIN 277), which has been very stable, but I've definitely experienced the problem rd2 mentions - display switches inappropriately from day to night even in what I would consider normal daylight conditions. This also happens at dusk, when lighting is inconsistent. I'd generally say that the day/night switching is too "twitchy" - it should be a little LESS responsive, perhaps with some longer time delays built in.

It may be related, but I also find some inconsistency on when the headlights are turned on in AUTO mode.

Captain_Zap |
9 January 2013

@lajollan

I don't think it is a matter of anyone hiding anything. I think it is more along the lines of the private threads hold more tedious details that don't add to a public forum or they have content that may not make sense to someone who has does not have first hand experience. I know that their content makes more sense to me now that I have had the car for a while. Also, the private threads tend to stay a bit more organized and on topic than the public ones. There is less duplicity and more compilation as well.

I see the same general topics within the private and public threads but there is just different levels of detail and organization.

kishdude |
9 January 2013

Wow,

I'm looking at this thread and I'm wondering which version of the software you are using and if there is a difference between sigs and production. I'm P#130, software version 4.1 and I've had my car for about 3.5 weeks now and have had almost none of these issues:

1) slam passenger door - never had to do this
2) buzzing with ambient lights - I always have ambients on and my displays is set to 80% and never heard a buzz.
3) Wrong rims shown on image - My car did show 19 inch rims instead of the 21s that are on the car but this was easily fixed by my DS with some setting change.
4) Charge port doesn't open - mine opens every time. Have to make sure the car is unlocked.
5) Tire pressure lights - never had a warning
6) Charge cable stuck - never had this - again have to make sure the car is unlocked
7) day/night mode switching too often - never had this but there is a setting to either keep it on day, night or auto. I always have mine on auto.
8) condensation in rear reverse light - I did have this after my first car wash which evaporated after a couple of days, but the next wash I made sure not to spray too much water on this area and it didn't happen.
9) Radio/FM issues - don't specifically notice any FM reception problems, but I usually listen to XM and have not noticed any issues.

The only issue I do have is that the sunroof requires 2 swipes to open fully. I've had to reset the center console a couple to times, but other than that - no problems.

one2mark |
9 January 2013

Kishdude,

I echo your comments, except my car a P85, VIN #1815 has always had the correct wheels displayed :-). As far as the sunroof not opening on first swipe, I have the same issue....is that user error? I figured I have a small learning curve.

BYT, as far as the windows all going down at once. Press once and hold on the "trunk" button. All the windows will come down then.

I am suffering my first bit of range anxiety today....I am 188 miles from my Model S. Damn business trips! Fortunately I will be home tomorrow!

Cheers,
Mark

wholland |
9 January 2013

P 5591 with performance MS now had the car for 2 wks. Absolutely love the car and wouldn't trade it for anything. However, I too have noticed software glitches. My list:

1. At least once a day I have to reboot my 17" screen because features freeze and stop working. Specifically, my power use graph will freeze in time and show no activity. My google maps with also become frozen and not show any real time activity, and when I walk away from the car, the handles retract but the car doesn't auto lock. Simple reboot fixes everything, but I find I'm having to reboot everyday.
2. I too have condensation in reverse lights present since delivery. My DS said it would evaporate. Still waiting.

iholtzman |
9 January 2013

I had to have my rear piece replaced becuase of the condensation in the reverse lights. It will not go away. It needs to be replaced as the seal is not water tight.

mark.alfone |
9 January 2013

Hopeful many of these issues are addressed and fixed before delivery of my Model S in two weeks!

CPM |
9 January 2013

I have exited the car the last couple of days to look back or being old that my radio is still on. Just started happening the last couple of days. No upgrade just started.

DigitalSavant |
9 January 2013

My charge port is often reported to be open when it is actually closed. A reboot usually solves the problem, but not always. One day I had to open and shut the port several times before the car finally decided to agree that it was closed. Other than that, everything seems swell.

Robert22 |
9 January 2013

Voice recognition for slacker and nav no longer works despite screen reboots. Alert says "recording not audible, please try again". Worked great until yesterday. This happens in a dead quiet garage or on the road. Service is aware. Software update addressing audio bugs and others to be released very soon.

Motoring |
9 January 2013

Well glitches & such were bound to happen, but we all need to put this in perspective with the revolutionary concept and reality brought about by Tesla in a little over 1/2 a year! Launching a production model vehicle with new technology is huge and not for the faint of heart or wallet. Kudos to all the 'beta testers' and those who have the means to ride with Elon on this remarkable trip. I'll be joining you in the future but unfortunately it is not to be just yet. Keep the faith & keep on Motoring!

Brian H |
9 January 2013

CapZap;
"There is less duplicity"
People tell fewer lies there?

suj17 |
10 January 2013

Few issues, none terrible. Planning to discuss with Tesla when I get my "due items"

1) Glove compartment button : inconsistent in opening
2) Sunroof: once to break the seal, 2nd time works fine
3) Hearing high pitch sound when I punch it
4) After leaving car all day during work , when I get back in , the screen reboots on own and I see an "alert" at the top of the main screen with a bunch of #/letters that I don't understand. After it self reboots, everything works fine.

LOVE the car!!!

nvjx |
10 January 2013

We had several problems with the car from day one -

- Right front door had to be slammed hard and it popped open on its own on one occasion.
- Car needed front end alignment and the steering wheel was installed off center.
- Rear hatch and Right front door needed adjustments (they had uneven gaps)
- Tilt wheel made a loud snapping sound when coming down from the highest position.
- Windshield washers were hitting too low.

The good news is after two trips to Fremont service dept. they were able to fix all the problems except for the tilt wheel. The bad news is I have a new problem with the climate control going haywire on manual setting (I don't use Auto). If I set the temp. to Lo it goes up to 78 or 80 on its own. Sometimes the reverse happens and if I set the temp. to 78 0r 80 it suddenly goes down to Lo on its own. I also have the problem of the charge cord not wanting to go into the port although the door handles are in out position. However if I open the door then it goes in.

andex23 |
10 January 2013

Completely happy with the car... here is my list of items:

1. Tone heard when under hard accelleration as described above and in previous threads
2. Can't get my tollroads transponder to work through the windshield yet.
3. Voice command for internet radio is intermittent.
4. Sunroof as described above.
5. Don't have my carpool stickers yet!!! I sneak in every once in a while but feel bad about it.
6. Don't like the frunk operation, will not be using that space often as a result. Seems too easy to damage the hood.

-Vin 2358, P85, V4.1

BYT |
10 January 2013

@andex23, For "#6. Don't like the frunk operation, will not be using that space often as a result. Seems too easy to damage the hood."
Just push at the far end of the hood right above the logo and it will be fine, it's re-enforced a bit by the U pin underneath that latches it in place.

kevjo |
10 January 2013

I have uploaded a simple delivery checklist drawing upon the comments in this thread and also on the Teslamotors club website. The list can be downloaded here:

I have had many of the same issues described. One not mentined is that under controls/trips, the energy since last charge didn't zero out after an overnight charge. That happened only once but it happened. Another onenot mentioned yet is that I had to reset the autotilt mirrors during revirse since one two occasions, the mirrors did not tilt when I placed the car in revirse.

I strongly feel that this should be a locked thread since these are issues owners will understand best and 90% will be easily fixed with software patches. I do not feel all these little things should be discussed on an open thread.

TonyF |
10 January 2013

The other reason it should be locked is becuse of our spelling....

dantir |
10 January 2013

I'm glad this thread is expanding. I posted my "5 things" that were glitches. I still consider them "annoyance" and not "problems." I guess it is why we fall in love...so that we don't see the problems or perhaps, better that we are willing to accept them and work our way through them. Ah, what this Beta tester has done for love.

Now for reality, The "crunch" in all of this is the "software." There is no argument as regards the hardware of the car and the incredible driving experience. The problem is that Tesla is not getting the new software downloaded to the original cars (Sig 582) and that the owner has absolutely no recourse to getting it. There is a real "Catch 22"...the problem with your radio is related to the intensity setting on your controls which is controlled by the software and we can't give you the software here at the Service Center and there is nothing you or I can do about getting the software update...you are out of luck til the Wizards at Tesla Head Quarters decide that it is your turn to get the "4.1 download." It may come next week, next month, or never...who knows?

dantir |
10 January 2013

I'm glad this thread is expanding. I posted my "5 things" that were glitches. I still consider them "annoyance" and not "problems." I guess it is why we fall in love...so that we don't see the problems or perhaps, better that we are willing to accept them and work our way through them. Ah, what this Beta tester has done for love.

Now for reality, The "crunch" in all of this is the "software." There is no argument as regards the hardware of the car and the incredible driving experience. The problem is that Tesla is not getting the new software downloaded to the original cars (Sig 582) and that the owner has absolutely no recourse to getting it. There is a real "Catch 22"...the problem with your radio is related to the intensity setting on your controls which is controlled by the software and we can't give you the software here at the Service Center and there is nothing you or I can do about getting the software update...you are out of luck til the Wizards at Tesla Head Quarters decide that it is your turn to get the "4.1 download." It may come next week, next month, or never...who knows?

Robert22 |
10 January 2013

Fear not about the "chirp" of the motor on rapid acceleration, it's completely normal (or seems to occur in most cars) and is not considered a bug by delivery specialists.

1) Heat/fan on full blast when car started
2) Radio on full volume when car started
3) Seat heater on when car started (was not turned on before)
4) Turn signal - no noise
5) Exit'd car - won't turn off radio/screen despite being beyond distance
6) Did "Power off" move > only responded when both upper/lower steering wheel resets done before car restarted

Notified my service advisor

Seems no rhyme nor reason for what is happening to Model S owners

OCMS |
11 January 2013

Love, love, love the car (perf 85, had it for 2 weeks) but today my screen froze. Reboot did not help and the service center could not fix it. They said the engineers would log in overnight and
try to fix it and if not, the screen would need to be replaced next week.

Robert22 |
11 January 2013

As reported above, I had a bug in voice recognition that prevented the car from recognizing my song or navigation requests despite multiple dual screen reboots. I'm happy to say I've discovered a workaround...opening the driver's door. Great for parking lots, not so great for highway driving. Happy to hear there's an imminent software update to address this and a few other issues.

sanctuary |
11 January 2013

Owned a 85kw unit for 5 days now. Haven't seen any of the described problems, driven about 400 miles so far.

I wouldn't say these are issues, as they are incredibly minor, but this is what I've experienced.

1. The sunroof doesn't open all the way if selected through the center console. You have to press it twice to open fully. If opened via the steering wheel, works fine and opens fully.
2. The voice control seems a bit glitchy. Directly after release of the button, you hear a loud staticky radio noise - like the radio is between stations. If there is music playing I don't think it does this but I'm not 100% sure.
3. The screen froze just once. I just power cycled the car and it went away.
4. Today I noticed that they blinker noise was not completely uniform - super minor. The sound cut out briefly as well.

EcLectric |
11 January 2013

rd2,

I think the problem you described with the light sensor can be solved with a software update. It doesn't matter where on the car the sensor is. At some point in time, the sensor will be at a vertical location where it goes from sunlight to shade and back again quickly. Any sensor has this problem. When it's a thermostat, the solution to this problem is referred to as hysteresis. The 'on' temperature is set to a value below the 'off' temperature so that the heater once turned on heats the room to above the 'off' temperature. Otherwise the heater would oscillate, constantly turning on and off as it went above the critical temperature, turned off, went below the critical temperature, turned on again, etc. in the case of a mechanical switch, the solution is referred to as 'de-bounce'. When someone presses a momentary switch, it doesn't just make contact once. The two pieces of metal that make the electrical connection bounce off one another and make connection several times before settling into the connected state. In this case, software or hardware does not respond to the electrical connection for a pre-determined amount of time, during which the bouncing occurs. If the connection is still made after this amount of time, the switch is considered pressed, and the system responds.

I think the solution to the light sensor problem is to increase the 'de-bounce' time for the software that is monitoring the light sensor. When the status of the sensor changes (I am assuming the sensor has a built in threshold and switches from one state to the other at a certain light level), the software just has to wait longer , and see if the change of state lasts long enough. If not, it will wait for a state change that lasts longer.

You will notice this functionality on other cars. If you drive from inside a garage, for example, to outside, the lights won't go off right away. There will be a delay before they switch off. There may be 'smarter' ways of preventing the oscillation you experienced - than just waiting longer, but it seems likely Tesla can fix it without resorting to hardware changes. Hope we see it in the next update!

EcLectric |
12 January 2013

markapeterman,

I experienced each of the 'glitches' you described in your first post on this thread. These must be widespread.

Robert22 |
12 January 2013

Experienced a new one tonight. Left the car in a parking lot in the rain. Car shut down when I left. Upon returning a small group of people were watching the windshield wipers that apparently had reactivated spontaneously ( I did not turn them off on the stalk) in slow intermittent mode. The nav screen alone had also re-activated. The bugs are getting more entertaining for sure.

TonyF |
12 January 2013

@ Robert 22,
I experienced the same thing with the wipers. I left them on low sensitivty during the December 30 snow storm while it was parked outdoors I came back to a snowcovered car with a clear windshield. But was that my bad for not turning the windshield wipers off?

noel.smyth |
12 January 2013

@astrassmd - my DS told me that the seat heating at startup occurs when you have the car set to range mode and climate control to auto - the car will use the seat heaters to warm the passenger and less of the fan, etc as its more efficient. It makes sense to because when i was alone in the car it was just my seat, but when a passenger was in the they both went on - smart car!

DouglasR |
12 January 2013

@Robert22,

You should have told the people that the car was about to come pick you up, but didn't want to risk alarming the crowd, so it gave you a call.

OCMS |
13 January 2013

My touch screen stopped working on day 11 with the car. Screen displays everything that is going on but touch feature does not work. Reboot did not help and the service center could not fix it. They told me to go home and engineers would log into the car over the weekend and try to fix it. If they can't fix it,they will be replacing it next week.

Brian H |
13 January 2013

Clear windshield? That's a feature, not a bug!

kafahsholtz |
14 January 2013

We recieved our Model S 12/31/13. Have put about 400 miles on it. Love the car, only I don't get to drive it enough, my formerly skeptical wife now has the Tesla religion. Wants to put a deposit down on a Model X.

Some minor things:

1. Put the air suspension in the highest level, to park, it wouldn't go down. Reset the touchscreen, backed out of the garage, it went down. Tesla roadside support was extremely helpful with this issue.
2. Outside temperature readout went blank, it fixed itself over night.
3. The back up camera gets blurry in the rain. Kind of makes it useless in Seattle (except exiting the garage). Don't know if there's anything we can do about that...

When will iPod compatability be released? I miss access to my 27,000 songs...

Thanks,

Kevin

joshrosenfield |
14 January 2013

You guys heard about the battery bricking issue? I wrote my Tesla Sales Rep to inquire about updates.

"A Tesla Roadster that is simply parked without being plugged in will eventually become a "brick". The parasitic load from the car's always-on subsystems continually drains the battery and if the battery's charge is ever totally depleted, it is essentially destroyed. Complete discharge can happen even when the car is plugged in if it isn't receiving sufficient current to charge, which can be caused by something as simple as using an extension cord. After battery death, the car is completely inoperable. At least in the case of the Tesla Roadster, it's not even possible to enable tow mode, meaning the wheels will not turn and the vehicle cannot be pushed nor transported to a repair facility by traditional means."

Alex K |
14 January 2013

@joshrosenfield | JANUARY 14, 2013: You guys heard about the battery bricking issue? I wrote my Tesla Sales Rep to inquire about updates.

This is an issue that came up over a year ago. The Jalopnik article is a year old. The issue has to do with the Roadster not the Model S.

jd3tm |
14 January 2013

Here's a new one I think:

I have V4.1 SW...Sig Perf MOdel S.

Using Nema 14-50 to charge and never had a problem until TONITE!!!

After an hour with Tesla 24 hour service and trying all forms of reset, etc. still NO GO! It won't start charging...

Charge port lights stay WHITE no matter what I tried. Not a good feeling. I gather Fremont Service will call me at 9am since the 24 hour guy ran out of attempts to fix over the phone and air.

According to the 24 hour service tech this is a known problem with 4.1 and a new release is being worked on to come out shortly (I assume that means by the end of Feb!